Villa Ginevra is your dream-come-true—a stately fortress tucked into the rolling hills of the world-renown Chianti Valley, just a 30-minute drive from Florence. Step into your own real-life fairytale, as you climb the steps of your own tower and peer over the turret wall, high atop your own private terrace. Walk inside the doors and you will be immersed in history—for the castle dates back to the early 1200s, when the Conti Alberti, a powerful Longobard clan originating in the Elsa Valley, first chose the location for their domain. The same family owned the property till the 17th century. Although you will revel in the period charm of the turreted tower and stone wall along the villa, the property has been restored and beautifully renovated with modern luxuries fit for royalty in the new millennium. Julia Roberts was one of the first in the ranks of Hollywood royalty to grace the castle's realm with her presence since its restoration. The villa has also been featured in international publications such as InStyle, Italy Magazine, Vanity Fair Italia, 25 Beautiful Homes, and Gioia Italia.

Cross the threshold of Villa Ginevra on the ground floor into two large living areas with warm mantles and fireplaces—one with access to an historic courtyard, one a hunting/sitting room that glows with treasures from hunts long past in the flickering firelight. While the afternoon away in the nearby rustic study with fireplace and book-lined walls. The large, modernized kitchen is convenient to the formal and elegantly furnished dining room, which also has courtyard access. The ground floor also offers rest in a queen bedroom with en suite bathroom.

Climb to the first floor to truly sleep like royalty in the master queen bedroom equipped with fireplace and a balcony overlooking the courtyard and a private, Jacuzzi-filled bathroom. Other guests will hunker down in the three other bedrooms, all with private bathrooms (two with their own Jacuzzis).

The talk of the town, of course, is the villa's independent Medieval Tower, part of the original 13th-century castle and preserved in its historic glory, with separate entrance. The ground floor beckons with a spacious, fireplace-accented living room. Climb up the rustic staircase to a queen bedroom with fireplace and small en suite bathroom, and access to your own, personal, tower rooftop that offers unobstructed views of your surrounding kingdom.

Stroll the grounds and revel in the 13th-century church, surrounding gardens, lemon hot house with outdoor dining/living room, and luxe swimming pool positioned on its own terrace, with adjacent enclosed lawn. An outdoor (cold-water) shower rests under a cypress tree.

Villa Ginevra is, in one word, incomparable. The property includes the main villa; an original medieval tower; and a 13th-century chapel, restored in the 18th century dedicated to Saint Bartholomew. From the villa's prime location in the Chianti Valley, there is a panoramic view of the olive groves, vineyards, and surrounding forests. The housekeeping, cooking and gardening staffs reside on the grounds—privacy is guaranteed. Guests are within short drives to the major picturesque and historic towns and cities of Italy.

What to do in the Chianti region of Tuscany
Don't miss a visit to the town of Montespertoli, in the center of the Chianti region. "A terrace overlooking the world" is the most accurate definition of this lovely town, which boasts views from high above Florence and convenient proximity to other large tourist areas of Tuscany. Montespertoli considers itself one of the capitals of Tuscan wine, and each year from the last Sunday in May to the first Sunday in June, holds a Chianti Wine Festival and a Stamp Exhibition about wine and vines. The first weekend after November 6th is the time for a local festival for "Vino Novello." The medieval town of Montespertoli had an important role due to its road network, which permitted Florence to carry out commerce in the direction of Volterra and Siena. Worth a visit is the castle which flanks Montespertoli (it belonged to the Machiavellis) and the "Museum of Sacred Art" located in the ample and beautiful presbytery of the Pieve of San Piero in Mercato. The precious paintings, silverworks and hangings are testimony of the historical and artistic importance of the area.

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